'Korean New Deal' to Create Future-Oriented Schools Equipped with Eco-Friendly and Advanced Technologies

A Total of 18.5 Trillion KRW to Be Invested Over 5 Years Starting Next Year
Expected to Create 150,000 Jobs

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] The 'Green Smart Future School Project Plan,' which restructures aging school spaces into future-oriented schools equipped with eco-friendly and advanced technologies, has been unveiled for the first time.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Yoo Eun-hye visited Gonghang High School in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, to announce the Green Smart Future School Project Plan, stating, "This project will serve as a new growth engine driving the transition to future education as a flagship task of the Korean New Deal." Attendees included the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, members of the National Assembly, and Cho Hee-yeon, Superintendent of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education.

According to the Ministry of Education, 7,980 school buildings nationwide, accounting for 20% of all school facilities, are over 40 years old. These aging facilities are currently unsuitable for students to study in and are inadequate to prepare for accelerated future education such as blended online and offline learning due to the impact of COVID-19.

Status of School Facilities Over 40 Years (Provided by the Ministry of Education)

The Green Smart Future School Project Plan, which will be fully implemented starting next year, is based on four fundamental principles: low-carbon zero energy orientation, ICT-based classrooms, student participatory design, and the integration of living SOC (Social Overhead Capital) school facility complexes.

The first phase of the project will run for five years from 2021, with a total budget of 18.5 trillion won. Initially, 2,830 aging buildings will be transformed. To reduce the financial burden on local governments, 30% of the total project cost will be supported by national funds. The second phase will commence in 2026.

It is expected that this project will create a total of 150,000 jobs and significantly reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions.

Deputy Prime Minister Yoo said, "This will become a new growth engine driving the transition to future education, encompassing people-centeredness, digital transformation, and spatial innovation."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.